site.btaBulgaria to Host World Judo Championships Cadets, Fielding 26 Athletes

Bulgaria will host the World Judo Championships for cadets (U18) from August 27 to 31 at Asics Arena in Sofia. Hosting the World Judo Championships is a major recognition for the Bulgarian Judo Federation, and it comes as a result of the significant work done by its leadership in recent years, the Bulgarian Judo Federation President Rumen Stoilov said on Monday.

The country will be represented by 26 athletes, 13 boys and 13 girls, in eight categories. The opening ceremony will be attended by Youth and Sports Minister Ivan Peshev, Tourism Minister Miroslav Borshosh, International Judo Federation President Marius Vizer, and European Judo Union President Laszlo Toth.

Stoilov recalled that in 2021, then-Prime Minister Boyko Borissov hosted a productive meeting with then European Judo Union President Sergey Soloveychik. As a result, in 2022 the Bulgarian Judo Federation organized the European Championships for men and women for the first time in the 70-year history of Bulgarian judo. Stoilov said: “We have hosted a number of international tournaments, but never a world championship. The work we have done over the past four years was crucial for us to achieve this major milestone. [...] From next year, Olympic qualification points for Los Angeles 2028 will start being accumulated. Our aim at European and world championships in all age groups is not only to secure Olympic quotas but also to aim for an Olympic medal.”

Admission to Asics Arena will be free for spectators throughout the five competition days of the World Championships.